Sacred Pause: Why Ceremony Still Matters in Adventure Elopements
September 9, 2026
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Photos by Forbis Fototgraphy
Bozeman, Montana — If Karlye and Matt’s elopement day was a lesson in anything, it was why having an elopement backup plan is so important. After bouncing around between a few different location options in Montana, they settled on Bozeman as their basecamp for their adventures. With an airport they could fly into directly, easy access to both beautiful scenery and the amenities and plethora of restaurant options that come with a college town, it was a location that checked all of their boxes.
With their date set for mid-October, it was clear from the beginning that flexibility would be key. Mountain weather can shift quickly that time of year, so they went into planning with backup options already in mind. In the days leading up to the elopement, the forecast continued to fluctuate, but it became increasingly clear that their original plan for a full 12-hour day wasn’t going to be realistic. Their initial location was also ruled out, as incoming snow would likely make it inaccessible. When Karlye shared her concerns, she was met with reassurance that a new plan was already taking shape around the changing conditions. Plan B turned out to be even better than the original.
Instead of compressing everything into one day, they chose to split their elopement into two. Their backup plan gave them more flexibility to work around the weather without giving up the experiences they wanted. The first evening gave them space to ease into the experience, shake off any nerves, and simply enjoy being together. The following morning would hold their sunrise first look and ceremony at a more accessible location, with time later in the day to explore the freshly snow-covered mountains once the roads had been cleared.
They met that first evening just as a passing storm moved through Bozeman, bringing bursts of rain and small hail. The skies began to settle as they made their way to Burke Park, where moody clouds framed sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. As sunset approached, they returned to their Airbnb, where the peaks continued to show off in the distance. The evening slowed into something relaxed and intentional, with time spent soaking in the hot tub, sharing stories, and talking through the adventure ahead.
The next morning began early, with quiet moments getting ready in their cozy Airbnb before stepping into a soft, glowing sunrise for their first look.
After taking it all in, they made their way toward Big Sky, with a quick stop at Caliber Coffee to warm up before heading out. From there, they hiked to Ousel Falls for their ceremony. They had the entire space to themselves, and the roar of the waterfall created privacy for sharing vows.
After the ceremony, they made their way back to the car and continued on to Hyalite Reservoir for one final adventure. Overnight snowfall had left the mountains dusted in fresh powder.
They ended the day with a signature touch from Forbis Fotography, ice cream. Whenever possible, she makes it a tradition to celebrate her couples this way, adding one last moment to the experience. They stopped at Sweet Peaks Ice Cream for a round of farewell treats before parting ways, sending Karlye and Matt off to take in the rest of their first day of marriage together.
Having a solid elopement backup plan is one of the best things you can do when planning an elopement, especially in locations where weather and access can change quickly. Lean on your photographer to help guide backup options and build a flexible timeline that can shift if needed. Sometimes the best solution is simply spreading your day across multiple moments, like an evening and the following morning.
Stay open to unexpected conditions. Rain, fog, and even snow can create incredible, moody landscapes, but safety should always come first. It’s smart to have alternative locations that offer shelter, are easier to access, or don’t require permits if your original spot does.
Most importantly, embrace your Plan B just as much as your Plan A. With the right mindset, it can be just as meaningful and memorable. At the end of the day, what matters most is who you’re marrying, not where.
See more adventure wedding tips:
• Top Remote Wedding Destinations In The United States
• How To Plan A Micro-Wedding Weekend: Turn Your Wedding Into A Multi-Day Experience
See this wedding and more inside Adventure Wed Magazine!
Photography: Forbis Fotography, an #AdventureExpert
Coffee Shop: Caliber Coffee Roasters
Ice Cream Shop: Sweet Peaks Ice Cream
Dress: Azazie
Suit: Men’s Wearhouse
Rings: Brilliant Earth, and Gentlebands
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